As a nutritionist and energy ball creator expert 😉, I've developed this matcha protein ball recipe to deliver a powerhouse of nutrients in each bite. A no-bake snack that combines the antioxidant power of matcha, with 10 grams of protein per (2 energy ball) serving, without protein powder. They are a twist from my highly rated pistachio oat bites! Stop drooling and let's make some green matcha energy balls!
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Why you will love this recipe:
- Combining complex carbohydrates from rolled oats and the healthy fats and protein from hemp hearts gives a steady release of energy without the dreaded sugar crash.
- This easy recipe with matcha offers a concentrated dose of antioxidants called catechins, which support overall health and well-being.
- Many recipes for matcha energy balls need cashew butter, but as it's hard to find, I created this recipe with no cashew butter. These matcha energy bites are dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan.
- My matcha bites are made without protein powder, almond flour, or shredded coconut (if you want them nut-free omit the pistachios)!
Danika's quick nutrition insight on matcha
Matcha is finely ground green tea leaves. It originated in China and was later brought to Japan, where matcha became key in traditional tea ceremonies.
Because green tea leaves are ground up to make matcha, there are many more antioxidants* than regular green tea!
*Antioxidants promote cellular well-being. This means preventing damage to your cells from harmful molecules called free radicals (which we all experience from stress, pesticides, not enough sleep, and air pollution).
This information comes from Prescription for Dietary Wellness by Phyllis A. Balch and The New Whole Foods Encyclopedia by Rebecca Wood.
For another antioxidant-rich matcha recipe try this healthy matcha frappe!
Ingredients & nutrition
Below I have listed the ingredients for these matcha balls. I choose simple ingredients that are accessible and nutrient-dense!
- Matcha: The star of these oat protein energy balls is matcha! There is ceremonial and culinary grade matcha: in terms of flavor, ceremonial is 'light and sweet' (with a brighter green color), and culinary has a 'bolder taste' and it light green.
- Hemp hearts: These little green and white seeds are high in protein; they balance out the flavor well and offer a constant stream of energy.
- Rolled oats: Oats are the base of these energy balls. Quick oats can be used in a pinch if needed; however, I recommend using rolled oats if you have them!
- Honey: Adding honey holds the balls together and gives them a sweet flavor.
- Vanilla: With a bit of vanilla extract, a whole burst of flavor is created!
- Optional - Pistachios: I like to add chopped pistachios as a pretty green garnish.
See recipe card below for exact ingredient quantities.
Matcha contains caffeine, but much less than coffee! I am personally sensitive to caffeine, but I notice matcha energy balls offer calm alertness and counteract the jittery effects. This is because of the L-theanine amino acid in the green tea leaves.
Step-by-step instructions for protein matcha balls
Here are step-by-step photos taken in my kitchen! Scroll down to see the recipe card for exact ingredient quantities.
- Place the rolled oats and the hemp hearts into the food processor.
(This can be done in a high-power blender as well).
2. Pulse the oats and hemp hearts until they are uniform and look like coarse sand.
3. Place the matcha and warm water in a small bowl or glass measuring cup. Stir until everything is thick and smooth.
4. Melt the honey. I like to do this in a small pot on the stove over low heat. As soon as it is melted, remove the honey from the stove. It can also be melted in a microwave.
*Overheating the honey can make it form a hard candy.
5. Add the matcha mix, melted honey and vanilla to the ground oats and hemp hearts in the food processor.
6. Pulse until a dough ball forms and everything is sticking together. Use a teaspoon to scoop and roll the dough into small balls. Add pistachios on top if desired.
Top tip for the best matcha oat balls
- Don't overheat the honey; use it once it is melted to create the right texture.
- Use rolled oats instead of quick oats! This offers more nutrition, and it will offer the body longer-lasting energy, as quick oats have been more refined or processed.
- There's ceremonial matcha and culinary-grade matcha. Culinary matcha is often pale green, and it's cheaper. Ceremonial matcha is a higher quality with a bright green color with a delicate flavor. Either can be used for this recipe; however, the taste and colour will be more significant if the ceremonial matcha is used.
- Store these energy balls at room temperature (they will last a week), as placing them in the fridge will make them dense and dry.
Fun variations
Here are a few ways you can change this healthy recipe to make these extra matcha bites delicious!
- Chocolate chips: Make these chocolate matcha energy balls by adding ¼ cup of chocolate chips.
- Chia seeds: Add 1 tablespoon of these powerhouse seeds to these matcha date balls for an extra energy kick! Add the chia seeds with the oats - as the seeds are pulsed to become small, it will increase the nutrition your body can absorb from them.
- Protein powder: To add even more protein, add 1 scoop of protein powder and reduce the oats to 1 ¾ cups.
- Roll in coconut: For a pretty look, roll these balls in shredded coconut for matcha coconut balls!
Other no bake recipes to try
If you love matcha like me, next try this healthy matcha frappe!
💪🏼 Did you make these matcha protein balls?! Please give this recipe a star rating and leave your comments below, I read every one, and it helps others find this recipe!!
Matcha Protein Balls
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- ½ cup hemp hearts
- 1 ½ tablespoons matcha
- 2 tablespoons warm water
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- ¼ cup optional: pistachios (chopped to use as garnish)
Instructions
- In a food processor, place the rolled oats and hemp hearts. Pulse until everything is ground up - like thick sand (see photo above in blog post).
- In a small bowl, mix the matcha and water together. Stir until everything is smooth. Then set aside.
- In a small pot or in a microwave, melt the honey just until it is liquid and runny, then immediately remove it from the heat.
- Add the honey, matcha, and vanilla to the food processor. Pulse until everything is combined and sticking together; it will form a dough ball. Use a teaspoon to scoop the dough and roll them into balls. Press a couple of chopped pistachios into each ball if using.
Notes
- Storage: These energy bites are best stored at room temperature as the fridge will make them quite hard. They last about a week. Or place them in the freezer to last up to three months.
- A food processor or high-power blender would work to make these.
- Oats: quick oats or rolled oats work for this recipe.
- Gluten free: To make sure these are gluten free, use certified gluten free oats.
Nutrition
Danika Vanderpyl, C.H.N
I create snack recipes with healthy ingredients that are mostly already in your kitchen. I'm certified in Holistic Nutrition and I care about giving my kids real food. Let me share my nutrient-dense easy snacks with you.
Danika Vanderpyl says
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